Caterham Revives Drift Experience for Car Enthusiasts
After a four-year hiatus, Caterham has brought back its popular Drift Experience. This unique event allows participants to spend a day learning the art of drifting in a Caterham car. While the Caterham Seven may not be the most natural car for drifting due to its light weight and unassisted steering, Caterham has made modifications to make it easier to drift. By jacking up the rear suspension, using hard back tires on larger wheels, and over-inflating them, Caterham has created a car that can easily go sideways and stay there with a bit of practice.
The Drift Experience takes place in large empty spaces at either Brands Hatch or Donington Park. The courses are set up with cone layouts to navigate around, providing a controlled environment for participants to practice their drifting skills. The speeds are relatively low, making it suitable for those with no track experience or those with plenty of track experience. The cars used in the Drift Experience are wider SV models, offering more footwell and leg space compared to narrow-bodied cars. They also have bigger radiators to handle the increased throttle use.
The experience is not only about learning car control but also about having fun in a safe environment. While some may argue that learning car control is valuable for emergency situations on the road, most modern cars come equipped with stability control systems. Therefore, the Drift Experience is more about hooning and enjoying the thrill of drifting behind the wheel.
Participating in the Drift Experience doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting at £359 per person. However, participants are encouraged to fully utilize and abuse the cars during the experience, and the hospitality provided by Caterham is top-notch. It’s no wonder that almost all of the 11 days planned for this year’s Drift Experience have already been sold out.
Caterham’s Thriving Future
Caterham is a company that is constantly evolving and staying ahead of the game. With a new electric model on the horizon and a new factory in the works, the company is making strides in the automotive industry. In addition to their Drift Experience, Caterham also offers other track experiences, further solidifying their position as a leading player in the motorsport world.
The Rise of Youthful Car Restoration
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in car restoration, particularly among younger individuals. Organizations like StarterMotor and the Association of Heritage Engineers are working to get young people involved in looking after and restoring historic vehicles. These organizations provide education, apprenticeships, and partnerships to help develop the skills necessary to maintain and build classic cars.
Gregg Alvarez, the managing director of Hightone Restorations, has witnessed this trend firsthand. While there used to be a shortage of younger people entering the field of car restoration, thanks to organizations like AoHE and StarterMotor, the future looks much brighter. The stereotype that young people aren’t interested in cars is being debunked, as more and more young individuals are getting involved in the classic car community.
About Matt Prior
Matt Prior is the Editor-at-large for Autocar magazine. With a background in automotive engineering, Matt has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 and is known for his expertise in all things engineering and automotive. Matt is not only a lead features writer and presenter but also the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel. He is also the host of the My Week In Cars podcast and has been writing his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.
Conclusion
Caterham’s revival of the Drift Experience has brought excitement back to car enthusiasts. This unique event allows participants to learn the art of drifting in a Caterham car, providing a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience. Caterham has made modifications to make drifting easier in the rear-wheel-drive Seven, ensuring that participants can easily send the car sideways and keep it there with practice. The controlled environment and cone layouts provide a safe space for participants to hone their skills and have fun behind the wheel.
Caterham’s dedication to innovation and progress is evident in their plans for a new electric model and a new factory. The company is staying at the forefront of the automotive industry and continually expanding its offerings to cater to different interests and preferences.
The rise of youth involvement in car restoration is also an encouraging development. Organizations like StarterMotor and the Association of Heritage Engineers are playing a vital role in getting young people interested in maintaining and restoring classic cars. This trend is debunking the stereotype that young people aren’t interested in cars and ensuring that the skills necessary to preserve automotive heritage are passed down to future generations.
Overall, Caterham’s Drift Experience and the growing interest in car restoration among young individuals demonstrate the enduring appeal and excitement of the automotive world. Whether it’s through thrilling driving experiences or preserving classic cars, there is something for everyone in this dynamic industry.
